Tell us about your career Journey
I started work as a glass collector in the family-run Scarisbrick Hotel on Lord Street in Southport and then completed an internal training course working through all roles from cheffing to housekeeping. I have some great memories from those days. While working there, I was at Runshaw College and completed a GNVQ in IT, which led to a role working for a major internet provider. After 9 years, I was presented with a new challenge, and that’s when I started at Fourteen IP.
Did you imagine 10 years ago that you would be where you are today?
I remember in the Christmas of 2014 I was planning my 2nd interview with Vicki, our Commercial Director, and my discussing the role with my dad. He said, “Sounds like this job could be fun, I’d definitely give it a go if you get the offer”. I guess I didn’t think I’d still be doing what I’m doing, but my role as Specialist Technical Project Manager is so varied here that I’ve never felt like I want to look elsewhere to work.
I bet you have seen big changes in the industry during that time?
Absolutely! Back when I first started our flagship product Evolution Voice, which is our cloud PBX had only been installed in a couple of properties in Europe, it’s now live in 1000+ properties and in 25 countries!
AI did not exist at all, but is proving to be a game changer for the hospitality industry, with products like our Evolution Virtual Agent (EVA) helping our customers cope with the daily demands from guests and consumers in a big way!
What have been your highs whilst working at Fourteen
Watching and helping the company grow, I would say. We’ve come such a long way in the past 10 years, and to be a part of it, some would say I’m lucky, but I always think luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
You have moved across the pond. How are you finding life in US
It’s been an exciting ride so far! My wife Louise and 3 children Evelyn, Grace and Ethan have been so supportive throughout everything, which made the decision easier. Of course, we miss family, but we now have lots of quality time with them when they come here on holiday (or vacation).
The team in the U.S office and our U.S customers have also been so welcoming and continue to offer help with us settling.
One of the main reasons I moved here was to help the company grow, as our forecast of business growth over the next few years is huge. Especially now, with the investment from Beech Tree on the company’s 14th birthday.
What advice would you give someone starting their career in our industry?
Don’t ever think a task is beneath you; see it as an opportunity to learn.
